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Thursday, June 21, 2018

Cirque du Soleil Crystal Review

Last week I attended the opening performance of Crystal by
Cirque du Soleil. Although it was my fourth show, there is always something new
and exciting to look forward to. I’ve experienced the vibrant colors of Mexico
in Luzia, the thrilling world of extreme sports in Volta and I will never
forget the death-defying stunts of Saltimbanco.

Photo by Matt Beard

The FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton lacks the traditional tent
setting that helps set the mood for a night at the circus but once the show
begins, everything around you seems to melt away.

As guests take their seats, a silly clown interacts with the
audience and starts a hilarious snowball fight which was a fun escape from the
warm weather.

The tale unfolds on a frozen playground of ice, combining
high-speed skating with thrilling acrobatics. An artistic young woman named
Crystal is desperate to escape the constraints of daily life and unleash her creativity. Unable to fit in or conform to societal norms, she runs
away from home and ventures onto a frozen pond where she plunges into a parallel universe. In the fantasy she meets her alter-ego who
is carefree and spontaneous - leading Crystal on a journey of self-discovery
where she learns to write her own destiny.

Photo by Matt Beard

The skating reminded me of a typical ice dance show and although
it wasn’t on-par with Olympic standards (you won’t see many triple axels), I
enjoyed watching the characters slide down skateboard-like
ramps and complete fast-paced spins, back flips and lifts.

The first half of the show didn’t really showcase the daring
acrobatics and “wow moments” you’d expect from Cirque du Soleil and despite the
mediocre mime comedy that dragged on a bit too long,
there were some phenomenal stunts. I particularly liked the sequence featuring
Crystal soaring high above head on a giant swing and the twists, jumps and
flips in the spontaneous hockey game. Juggling is also part of the show (as it
often is) but I think this classic act needs to be upgraded or retired all-together.

Photo by Matt Beard

Photo by Matt Beard

Surprisingly, much of the music was pre-recorded (I expected
live singers) but the upbeat pop music from Sia was well coordinated and the talented little
band definitely added intrigue to the visuals.

In the second half of the show, the story gains momentum. The
jaw-dropping balancing sequence on teetering chairs will leave you speechless
and the actors exhibit incredible strength while climbing and flipping
off of perpendicular poles that precariously sway back and forth.

Photo by Matt Beard

I also liked the graceful aerial acrobatics of the
ballroom scene where Crystal’s suitor whisks her off her feet and rises into
the sky - flipping and twirling in a blur of astounding gymnastics.

Photo by Matt Beard

There is a
lot to take in as her dream begins to incorporate dance and hand-to hand
trapeze amidst a mesmerizing light show. I have no idea how the artists manage
to pull off superhuman stunts while wearing ice skates but somehow they make
it look effortless.

Photo by Matt Beard

Since the stage is and ice rink, there weren't many set changes except for projections on the mountain and movable equipment, but there are spectacular feats of bravery that will
impress the whole family.

The artistic direction was quite ambitious and unlike any of Cirque's previous productions. If
you’re looking for something unique to do this summer Crystal definitely entertains,
just remember to bring a sweater because the auditorium is quite cool.

Photo by Matt Beard

The show runs until June 24th, 2018 and tickets range from
$45 - $165.For more information visit
the website at cirquedusoleil.com.